Looking for a Canon rangefinder 35mm f/1.8 lens

March 25, 2005 11:14 AM

Does anyone know where I can find a '50s-era Canon 35mm f/1.8 or the later f/2 rangefinder lens in good to excellent condition?
posted by Il Furioso to Shopping (7 answers total)

The eBay culture of people selling photographic equipment appears to be very thorough and conscientious. All of the camera bodies, lenses, and light meters I have bought from eBay have been very fully described in the listings, and when arrived have been exactly as described.

You might also look for a users group of the particular model line of 1950s Canon you need a lens for.
posted by matildaben at 11:55 AM on March 25, 2005

Response by poster: This is a rare enough lens and has not been listed on ebay recently. I'm wondering if anyone happens to know offhand of a Canon Serenar 35/1.8 sitting unused in someone's drawer or shop window.
posted by Il Furioso at 12:20 PM on March 25, 2005

B&H Photo has a good stock of new and used equipment. They've been very reliable.

You may also want to try Helix Camera & Video. New and used equipment as well as rentals.
posted by horsewithnoname at 12:43 PM on March 25, 2005

Try KEH Camera especially their used Canon Manual Focus cameras and used Canon Auto Focus cameras.
posted by plemeljr at 1:24 PM on March 25, 2005

Keep an eye on here. (none at the moment, but have been in the past).
posted by spock at 10:19 PM on March 26, 2005

Response by poster: Thanks for all the feedback. I've done some more research and decided upon the Canon Serenar 35mm f/2.8--an older lens that might render the vintage look I'm after better than the f/1.8, whose design came almost a decade later.

I was able to find two of these lenses in good shape from manfredschmidt.com--a great place to look for antique and collectible cameras, as well as accessories.
posted by Il Furioso at 10:53 AM on March 28, 2005

Response by poster: I should add a link to Manfred Schmidt, a superlative place to get antique and collectible cameras and lenses, and a very nice man.
posted by Il Furioso at 5:09 PM on March 28, 2005